On the Costa Brava, you'll find a number of seaside resorts.
Today, let's take a tour of these magnificent cities located just a few kilometers from Barcelona.
Follow the guide!
Costa Brava seaside resort: article summary
Costa Brava seaside resort: a few words about the region
The Costa Brava region boasts some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Spain, and enjoys a warm, sunny climate most of the year. So beautiful is this place that it has attracted the attention of many artists for centuries.
Some of the most beautiful beaches around Barcelona are located on the Costa Brava. The local wines and seafood are also of the highest quality. As Dali depicted in his many paintings of the region, the Costa Brava has a richness unrivalled in Europe.
Let's go and discover the 5 largest seaside resorts near Barcelona.
Bégur
Begur has managed to retain much of its Spanish charm despite the recent growth in tourism. The town is an ideal base for middle-aged and older couples, partly becauseit is about a 25-minute walk from the nearest beaches.
A car is recommended, and if you wish, you can rent one in Barcelona. The city and its imposing castle are situated on a hill overlooking the coast, so that the return journey from the nearest beach can be as easy as a car. tiring after a long day in the summer sun.
Unique culinary specialities
Begur is a good place for a quiet meal away from the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts. Eat at the highly recommended Restaurant Turandot for about €25 per personor at Casa Juanita serving excellent fresh fish from the local coast.
Costa Brava seaside resort: Blanes
Although not one of the Costa Brava's most picturesque seaside resorts, Blanes is an extremely popular vacation destination, largely due to the immense beaches that stretch along the hotel-lined promenade. Behind the hotels lies a thriving town with bars, cafés and restaurants.
Like many of the Costa Brava's seaside resorts, Blanes was once a small fishing town, but is now a major tourist attraction. redeveloped to meet the needs of tourism.
Blanes is a popular tourist destination, and many restaurants offer "traditional" fried fish dishes and fried breakfast menus. However, there are some excellent Spanish restaurants, including El Sorrall, specializing in homemade Catalan cuisine.
A place to party in summer
Don't miss the Santa Anna festivities in the 2ᵉ week of July, which include a week-long fireworks festival. You'll rarely find a venue as colorful as this. During these festivities, you can enjoy fireworks as well as concerts present throughout the small seaside resort.
Cadaqués
The picturesque town of Cadaques is one of the most northerly towns on the Costa Brava, just a few kilometers from the French border. The rocky coastal region around Cadaques mainly attracts wealthy tourists and this is reflected in our prices.
On site, you'll find excellent cuisine at the picturesque Gato Azul on Carrer Curos right next to the church. The most typical bar in Cadaques is the Café de la Habana. Come here for a drink in a warm atmosphere, often with live music in the evening.
Discover moments in Dali's life
The small fishing port of Port Lligat just north of Cadaques is the former home of surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Cadaques' artistic heritage continues to attract artists and writers from all over the world.
Salvador Dali's former home is now a museum in Port Lligat, about 3 km from Cadaques. Although the house was opened to the public in 1907, I advise you to book in advance, as only small groups can enter at any one time.
Costa Brava seaside resort: Calella de Palafrugell
The picturesque town of Calella de Palafrugell is one of the Costa Brava's most unspoilt seaside resorts. The seafront area has preserved many of the older fishermen's houses, giving it a postcard look.
Interesting places to visit
If you're in the mood for greenery, I recommend a visit to the Botanic Cap Roig garden. It's set in the grounds of a small castle and dates back to the late 1920s. Every summer, the Cap Roig festival offers a fabulous program featuring many international artists. The festival stage overlooks the coastline and features a large outdoor area. for just over 2,000 spectators.
Figueras
About a 15-minute drive from the Costa Brava coast, Figueres is best known for being home to the famous Salvador Dali museum, which attracts tourists from all over the world. However, the town has much to offer in addition to the Dali museum and makes a good base for a weekend away. with easy access to the coast.
Figueres has good rail links with Barcelona and other seaside resorts if you want to leave the car behind.
One of the best hotels is the Hotel Figueres Park near the AP-7, offering fabulous dinners and breakfasts. Rooms are available here and elsewhere in Figueres for around €50 a night.
Costa Brava resorts: make a detour to Girona
The main tourist attraction is Girona's old town, which follows the course of the river. It has one main street lined with small boutiques, restaurants and cafés.
The cobbled streets of the old town offer a full range of artisan stores, gourmet food stores and quaint boutiques.
Taste the delights of Girona
The Rocambolesc ice cream parlour on Carrer de Santa Clara is an establishment worthy of Willy Wonka. A tempting range of crêpes is available at the Crêperie bretonne. The restaurant also offers a wide range of vegetarian options. Finally, El Celler de Can Roca on Carrer de Can Sunyer is Girona's 3-star Michelin restaurant. If you're a gourmet, you'll love the city of Girona.
There are many seaside resorts around Barcelona. If you've done all the sightseeing, I'd recommend escaping to Barcelona's outskirts to discover beautiful places.
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